Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation letters — typically 2 teachers + 1 counsellor for undergrad; 3 academic / research professors for grad applications. The third-party voice that corroborates everything else in your application.
4-6 weeks lead time
Free
Common App recommender portal — recommenders upload directly.
What it is
Personalised letters from people who know you academically, written on letterhead and submitted directly to the university (typically through the Common App recommender portal).
Why it matters
Recommendations are the only part of your file written by someone other than you. Strong, specific, third-party endorsement of your character and ability is one of the highest-leverage parts of the application.
How to get it
- 1
Identify your recommenders: 2 teachers (ideally in your major-related subjects) + 1 counsellor or Headmaster.
- 2
Ask in person, at least 4-6 weeks before the deadline. Bring your transcript, resume, draft personal essay, and a list of universities so they can write specifically.
- 3
Most recommenders prefer to write a base letter then tailor short paragraphs per school.
- 4
When prompted by the Common App, formally invite each recommender by email — they will receive a link to upload directly.
- 5
Follow up politely 2 weeks before the deadline. Most recommenders need a nudge — that is normal.
Tips & best practices
- •Pick teachers who know you, not the most senior ones. A specific anecdote from a Form 2 teacher beats a generic letter from your Headmaster.
- •If you do not have a "school counsellor" in the US sense, your Headmaster, Assistant Headmaster, or Form Master can serve in that role.
- •Provide a brag sheet — bullet points of your achievements, projects, and what you want highlighted. Recommenders will lift directly from it.
- •Pick at least one teacher in your intended major — universities want corroboration of your interest area.
Common mistakes to avoid
- •Asking too late. Recommenders are juggling many students; do not be the one chasing them at week zero.
- •Picking a famous teacher you barely interacted with. Specificity > prestige.
- •Letting recommenders submit by email instead of through the Common App portal — many universities will not accept it.
Ghana-specific notes
School counsellors are uncommon in Ghanaian SHS. You can use your Headmaster, Assistant Headmaster, or a senior teacher who acted in a guidance capacity. Be transparent about your school's structure in the Common App "Counselor" section.
Watch the walkthrough
Official sources & references
Related documents
Personal Essay (Common App)
Your 650-word personal statement. The Common App essay is sent to every undergrad school you apply to — it is the most important piece of writing in the application.
Activities Resume
A structured list of your extracurriculars, leadership, work, awards, and community service — submitted as part of the Common App or as a separate PDF. (Grad applicants: see the Academic CV guide instead.)
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